Depression, Anxiety, StressNCT07911917
Effects of Reformer Pilates Training
A study testing Reformer Pilates exercise program in people with Depression, Anxiety, Stress, run by Aksaray University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study investigated the effects of a 5-week Reformer Pilates exercise program on sleep quality, depression, anxiety, stress, and body mass index in 26 sedentary women. Participants completed 10 exercise sessions, with two sessions per week. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Depression, Anxiety, Stress
- What is being tested?
- Reformer Pilates exercise program
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 24 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 15 Mar 2026to 30 Aug 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Women aged 18-35 years.
- Having a sedentary lifestyle.
- Not having participated regularly in a Reformer Pilates exercise program previously.
- Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study.
- Providing written informed consent.
- Agreeing to participate in all study assessments and the 5-week Reformer -Pilates exercise program.
Who cannot join
- Failure to attend the Reformer Pilates exercise sessions regularly.
- Failure to complete the 10-session exercise program.
- Participation in another regular exercise program during the study period.
- Having a musculoskeletal injury or health condition that prevents participation in exercise.
- Failure to complete any of the study assessments.
- Voluntary withdrawal from the study during the study period.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: THE EFFECTS OF REFORMER PİLATES TRAİNİNG ON SLEEP QUALİTY AND MENTAL AND PHYSİCAL HEALTH OUTCOMES İN SEDENTARY WOMEN: A RANDOMİZED CONTROLLED TRİAL
This study investigated the effects of a 5-week Reformer Pilates exercise program on sleep quality, depression, anxiety, stress, and body mass index in 26 sedentary women. Participants completed 10 exercise sessions, with two sessions per week. Sleep quality and mental health were assessed before and after the intervention using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21. Following the program, significant improvements were observed in sleep quality, depression, stress, and body mass index. These findings suggest that Reformer Pilates may be a beneficial exercise approach for improving selected physical and psychological outcomes in sedentary women.
Read the detailed description
Purpose: Pilates is a widely utilized exercise therapy modality aimed at improving physical fitness, body composition, and both physical and psychological well-being in healthy populations. The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate the effects of a Reformer Pilates (RP) exercise program on levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as on sleep quality and body mass index.
Methods: Twenty-six sedentary women participated in this study. Participants completed a RP exercise program consisting of 10 sessions over a 5-week period, with two sessions per week. Sleep quality and mental health status were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), respectively. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from participants' height and body mass measurements. All outcome measures were assessed before the exercise program and immediately following its completion.
Keywords: Reformer pilates, sleep quality, depression, anxiety, stress, body mass index.
- Conditions
- Depression, Anxiety, Stress
- Being tested
- Reformer Pilates exercise program
- Keywords
- Reformer pilates, sleep quality, depression, anxiety, stress, body mass index
- Medical subject headings
- Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Reformer Pilates exercise programBehavioural
As part of the study, participants took part in a RP exercise programme scheduled for two days a week and comprising a total of 10 sessions. The exercise programme was structured in accordance with the principle of controlled progression, taking into account the participants' sedentary lifestyles. The sessions were conducted under the supervision of a qualified instructor with expertise in RP (SM); throughout the exercises, emphasis was placed on correct posture, breath control and movement integrity. Care was taken to ensure that all participants were subjected to the same exercise content and conditions throughout the programme. The exercise sessions were planned to include warm-up, the main exercise programme and cool-down phases. The exercise programme was implemented systematically, taking into account the principles of weekly periodisation.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| RP GRUP | Experimental | Twenty-six sedentary women participated in this study . Participants completed a RP exercise program consisting of 10 sessions over a 5-week period, with two sessions per week. Sleep quality and mental health status were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), respectively. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from participants' height and body mass measurements. All outcome measures were assessed before the exercise program and immediately following its completion. Receives: Behavioral: Reformer Pilates exercise program |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Sleep Quality
Measure: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) total score
Measured: Baseline and immediately after the 5-week intervention
Secondary outcomes (1)
Depression, Anxiety, and Stress
Measure: Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) scores for depression, anxiety, and stress
Measured: Baseline and immediately after the 5-week intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted3 Nov 2026
- Study start15 Mar 2026
- Primary completion15 Aug 2026
- Study completion30 Aug 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Depression, Anxiety, StressStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Screening
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Model description
- In this study, a single-group pre-test-post-test quasi-experimental research design was employed to examine the effect of the intervention on the dependent variables. This design enables the identification of changes resulting from the intervention through measurements taken before and after the experimental procedure
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 24 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Aksaray University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Yağmur YILDIZ, Aksaray University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07911917
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2025/42
- Status last verified
- Nov 2026
- First submitted
- 14 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 3 Nov 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant-level data will not be shared publicly because the dataset contains potentially identifiable participant information. To protect participant privacy and confidentiality, individual-level data will not be made publicly available. Aggregate study results will be reported in accordance with applicable ethical and data protection requirements.
Publications
Adıgüzel, S., Aras, D., Gülü, M., Aldhahi, M. I., Alqahtani, A. S., & Al-Mhanna, S. B. (2023). Comparative effectiveness of 10-week equipment-based pilates and diaphragmatic breathing exercise on heart rate variability and pulmonary function in young adult healthy women with normal BMI-a quasi-experimental study. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 15(1), 82. Ağargün, M. Y. (1996). Validity and reliability of Turkish version of Pittsburgh sleep quality index. Türk Psikiyatri Dergisi, 7, 107. Aibar-Almazán, A., Hita-Contreras, F., Cruz-Díaz, D., de la Torre-Cruz, M., Jiménez-García, J. D., & Martínez-Amat, A. (2019). Effects of Pilates training on sleep quality, anxiety, depression and fatigue in postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial. Maturitas, 124, 62-67. A'Naja, M. N., Batrakoulis, A., Camhi, S. M., McAvoy, C., Sansone, J. S., & Reed, R. (2024). 2025 ACSM worldwide fitness trends: future directions of the health and fitness industry. ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal, 28(6), 11-25. Ashrafinia, F., Mohammadizadeh, S., & Fathizadeh, N. (2014). The effects of Pilates exercise on sleep quality in postpartum women. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 18(2), 190-199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2013.09.007 Buysse, D. J., Reynolds III, C. F., Monk, T. H., Berman, S. R., & Kupfer, D. J. (1989). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index: a new instrument for psychiatric practice and research. Psychiatry research, 28(2), 193-213. Caldwell, K., Harrison, M., Adams, M., & Triplett, N. T. (2009). Effect of Pilates and taiji quan training on self-efficacy, sleep quality, mood, and physical performance of college students. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 13(2), 155-163. Caldwell, K., Harrison, M., Adams, M., & Triplett, N. T. (2009). Effect of Pilates and Taiji Quan training on self-efficacy, sleep quality, mood, and physical performance of college students. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 13(2), 155-163. https://doi.org/10.1
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 3 Nov 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- THE EFFECTS OF REFORMER PİLATES TRAİNİNG ON SLEEP QUALİTY AND MENTAL AND PHYSİCAL HEALTH OUTCOMES İN SEDENTARY WOMEN: A RANDOMİZED CONTROLLED TRİAL
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07911917
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2025/42
- Conditions
- Depression, Anxiety, Stress
- Keywords
- Reformer pilates, sleep quality, depression, anxiety, stress, body mass index
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 24 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Aksaray UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Aug 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 3 Nov 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study investigated the effects of a 5-week Reformer Pilates exercise program on sleep quality, depression, anxiety, stress, and body mass index in 26 sedentary women. Participants completed 10 exercise sessions, with two sessions per week. Sleep quality and mental health were assessed before and after the intervention using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21. Following the program, significant improvements were observed in sleep quality, depression, stress, and body mass index. These findings suggest that Reformer Pilates may be a beneficial exercise approach for improving selected physical and psychological outcomes in sedentary women.
Detailed description
Purpose: Pilates is a widely utilized exercise therapy modality aimed at improving physical fitness, body composition, and both physical and psychological well-being in healthy populations. The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate the effects of a Reformer Pilates (RP) exercise program on levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as on sleep quality and body mass index.
Methods: Twenty-six sedentary women participated in this study. Participants completed a RP exercise program consisting of 10 sessions over a 5-week period, with two sessions per week. Sleep quality and mental health status were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), respectively. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from participants' height and body mass measurements. All outcome measures were assessed before the exercise program and immediately following its completion.
Keywords: Reformer pilates, sleep quality, depression, anxiety, stress, body mass index.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Screening
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
- Model description
- In this study, a single-group pre-test-post-test quasi-experimental research design was employed to examine the effect of the intervention on the dependent variables. This design enables the identification of changes resulting from the intervention through measurements taken before and after the experimental procedure
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| RP GRUP | Experimental | Behavioral: Reformer Pilates exercise programTwenty-six sedentary women participated in this study . Participants completed a RP exercise program consisting of 10 sessions over a 5-week period, with two sessions per week. Sleep quality and mental health status were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), respectively. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from participants' height and body mass measurements. All outcome measures were assessed before the exercise program and immediately following its completion. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Women aged 18-35 years.
- Having a sedentary lifestyle.
- Not having participated regularly in a Reformer Pilates exercise program previously.
- Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study.
- Providing written informed consent.
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Failure to attend the Reformer Pilates exercise sessions regularly.
- Failure to complete the 10-session exercise program.
- Participation in another regular exercise program during the study period.
- Having a musculoskeletal injury or health condition that prevents participation in exercise.
- Failure to complete any of the study assessments.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Reformer Pilates exercise programAs part of the study, participants took part in a RP exercise programme scheduled for two days a week and comprising a total of 10 sessions. The exercise programme was structured in accordance with the principle of controlled progression, taking into account the participants' sedentary lifestyles. The sessions were conducted under the supervision of a qualified instructor with expertise in RP (SM); throughout the exercises, emphasis was placed on correct posture, breath control and movement integrity. Care was taken to ensure that all participants were subjected to the same exercise content and conditions throughout the programme. The exercise sessions were planned to include warm-up, the main exercise programme and cool-down phases. The exercise programme was implemented systematically, taking into account the principles of weekly periodisation. | Behavioural | RP GRUP |
Primary outcome
Sleep Quality
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 5-week intervention
Measure: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) total score
1 secondary outcome
Depression, Anxiety, and Stress
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 5-week intervention
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 3 Nov 2026.
- BackgroundAdıgüzel, S., Aras, D., Gülü, M., Aldhahi, M. I., Alqahtani, A. S., & Al-Mhanna, S. B. (2023). Comparative effectiveness of 10-week equipment-based pilates and diaphragmatic breathing exercise on heart rate variability and pulmonary function in young adult healthy women with normal BMI-a quasi-experimental study. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 15(1), 82. Ağargün, M. Y. (1996). Validity and reliability of Turkish version of Pittsburgh sleep quality index. Türk Psikiyatri Dergisi, 7, 107. Aibar-Almazán, A., Hita-Contreras, F., Cruz-Díaz, D., de la Torre-Cruz, M., Jiménez-García, J. D., & Martínez-Amat, A. (2019). Effects of Pilates training on sleep quality, anxiety, depression and fatigue in postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial. Maturitas, 124, 62-67. A'Naja, M. N., Batrakoulis, A., Camhi, S. M., McAvoy, C., Sansone, J. S., & Reed, R. (2024). 2025 ACSM worldwide fitness trends: future directions of the health and fitness industry. ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal, 28(6), 11-25. Ashrafinia, F., Mohammadizadeh, S., & Fathizadeh, N. (2014). The effects of Pilates exercise on sleep quality in postpartum women. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 18(2), 190-199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2013.09.007 Buysse, D. J., Reynolds III, C. F., Monk, T. H., Berman, S. R., & Kupfer, D. J. (1989). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index: a new instrument for psychiatric practice and research. Psychiatry research, 28(2), 193-213. Caldwell, K., Harrison, M., Adams, M., & Triplett, N. T. (2009). Effect of Pilates and taiji quan training on self-efficacy, sleep quality, mood, and physical performance of college students. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 13(2), 155-163. Caldwell, K., Harrison, M., Adams, M., & Triplett, N. T. (2009). Effect of Pilates and Taiji Quan training on self-efficacy, sleep quality, mood, and physical performance of college students. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 13(2), 155-163. https://doi.org/10.1
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant-level data will not be shared publicly because the dataset contains potentially identifiable participant information. To protect participant privacy and confidentiality, individual-level data will not be made publicly available. Aggregate study results will be reported in accordance with applicable ethical and data protection requirements.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Reformer Pilates exercise program in people with Depression, Anxiety, Stress, run by Aksaray University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Nov 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Sleep Quality (time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 5-week intervention). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07911917, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 3 Nov 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 4 Nov 2026.